When you’re working on improving your landscape photography, you’re trying to capture more than just a scene—you’re telling a story. From the foreground to the background, everything in the frame plays a role.
Coming to you from Sam Bugas, this insightful video breaks down five practical techniques to help you improve your landscape photography. First, Bugas emphasizes the power of inspiration. Studying the work of others not only opens your eyes to new possibilities but helps you place your work within a broader context. Whether you’re browsing Instagram, flipping through photography books, or watching tutorials, finding inspiration can provide direction in your work. Bugas shares how inspiration from YouTuber Will Patino helped him overcome his hesitation about forest photography, resulting in some of his favorite shots. That type of inspiration can spark creativity and push you out of your comfort zone.
Another key takeaway is the importance of experimenting with new focal lengths. Bugas discusses how you tend to stick with what feels comfortable, which can limit creativity. By pushing yourself to try new lenses, you force yourself to think differently about composition. Renting or borrowing a lens is a great way to experiment without committing to a purchase. Bugas shares a story of how switching to a wide angle lens helped him capture a sunset scene in New Zealand in a way he hadn’t anticipated. This experience ultimately led him to use that wide angle lens more frequently, proving that sometimes a little discomfort is what you need to grow.
One of the most impactful techniques Bugas discusses is putting yourself in uncomfortable positions—literally. Going where others don’t will give you unique shots that stand out. Bugas recounts a night when he captured his favorite Aurora shot under less-than-ideal conditions. The forecast wasn’t promising, and the location was hard to reach, but being willing to push himself into that discomfort paid off. By going to locations others might avoid, you can discover perspectives that make your photos stand out. Of course, put your safety first. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bugas.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!"
